It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair. — Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
This quote sums up completely the vacation to Erie last week. It was a study in contrasts.
Did calm ever settle in? Oh, hell no. The stress levels were high and remained so… for the duration. I figured it would be stressful at the start, but I also figured that after a few days hiking around Erie that stress would… diminish … but thanks to a giant storm that crushed Pittsburgh last week the stress never diminished and the end result was that we headed back early from vacation to clean out refrigerators and the freezer after 48+ hours of no power. Fortunately, we had little exterior damage but my neighborhood lost so many trees.
I, somehow, managed to stitch and paint a little each day (I finished the last painting after we got home… it was a good break from the Major Appliance Clean Out!) And I even managed to get Steve to sit down to watch the first episode of The Pitt (and believe me the only reason he agreed was because it was “in Pittsburgh” so a huge thank you to the producers of The Pitt for that initial opening to the show highlighting Pittsburgh!) Thankfully, he liked it so I wrangled 15 hours of “watching time” so I could get another vest started!
For me, the walks in Presque Isle were my salvation. I found new trails and I met the “Ambassador of Presque Isle” who clued me in to some rare sights in the park! Thank you, Mr. Berchtold for sharing your “spots” with me! I have never seen Sandhill Cranes in “the wild” and seeing a nesting pair on Presque Isle was a treat beyond measure! As was seeing an Eastern Screech Owl nesting! I was astounded by the number of active Osprey nests on the peninsula as well… a good half a dozen that I saw! I must have been channeling Vera because I saw so many turtles!! Frankie found all the people extremely stressful, so he only went along on walks a few times… I knew this going in… he does not like “random” people but he learned a new thing while we were there… barking! Sigh.
Walkies? Yes, please! I can practice my Newly Discovered Barking Skillz!
I did not take many photos but that is okay… I channeled the part of Yutori about being still and being present in the surroundings! That stillness helped me “find” 10 new-to-me birds!
Now it is a “normal” Monday and I am happy to be back to it! I will see you all back here on Wednesday!
So sorry your vacation wasn’t the best, but finding new trails is always good and discovering new birds – what a bonus. Who knew there was a Presque Isle Ambassador? And, so sorry you had to end your vacation early and return to cleaning out refrigerator and freezer. Ugh. That is such a sweet picture of Frankie!! Love your paintings too Kat – so charming.
Well, crap! I’m sorry about the vacation cut short and the return to a sad and expensive clean out. But I do love your paintings, journal (with warbler bonanza!), sandhill cranes, and screech owl nesting. I’m sure you bark very well, Frankie, no need to practice it too often! Welcome back and I hope you have a good Monday!
Oh that photo of Frankie is perfect, so much character!
I’m sorry your trip was a mixed bag – but it sounds like you really worked to make the best of it, which is admirable.
Oh ugh – Sarah had said that a lot of folks in Pittsburgh lost their power and I’m so sorry that you were one of them. What a bummer. I’m glad you were able to get out and explore Erie as much as you did. I’m hoping next year Frankie will be more amenable to taking walks with you. He’s still just a little puppy right now!!
I would freak out if I saw an owl nesting – what an experience! And your video is just lovely – you’re painting always impresses me so much. I hope you’re able to settle back in relatively easily!
I’m so sorry that you were stressed about what was going on at home during your vacation — I think that earns you a do-over! You did get the gift of some amazing bird sights, so at least it wasn’t a total loss! I hope you can find some calm now that you’re home and the fridge is restocked.
Sorry about the power outage. We were out of town once for a few days (in August!) and didn’t know the power was out. Rasperry popsicles were a great addition to the puddles!
I get to see Sandhills here in Minnesota, usually when out on my horse. She doesn’t seem to bother them, but they are pretty big!
Well darn it anyway. I’m sorry you had to cut your vacation short to come home and clean out the fridge and the freezer. But ten new-to-you birds is a nice list and of course Sandhill Cranes are so beautiful. Frankie’s face looks so inquisitive – like he is saying, “Bark – who me?”
Bloomin’ life, it will just get in the way. I am so sorry this break didn’t live up to expectations. BUT I love the video of your sketch book and diary entries that go with it. I feel a bit inspired by it…..
It’s sad that your vacation was cut short because of the storm at home! I hope your time there was enough to leave you with some happy memories of the trip.
I lost half fridge and half freezer because I could take the best stuff to my sister’s extra fridge/freezer in her basement. I was miserable while we did not have power but I know people who lost EIGHT days. Your pup is the sweetest thing ever.